Negligent Doctors Must be Dealt With, Supreme Court Says

Doctors will no longer have a way out of favoring wealthy patients and not treating those without the means to pay for it. The Indian supreme court established a precedent Thursday, holding firm on its stance that doctors who shy away from treating patients without the affluence or wealth that medical costs normally demand will be persecuted under Indian law and could face fines and prison time.

The Supreme Court has asked the government to create and start enforcing laws that will take effect as soon as possible so that these wrongdoers may be accordingly dealt with. The Court additionally asked that the government seek proper law enforcement to ensure the functioning and funding of medical facilities across the country, in part to stop the spread of this problem and also to improve a very rudimentary medical care system in many parts of the nation.

In light of the extremely visible and sensitive rape cases and how doctors often refused to treat victims because of their status, the ruling comes as a necessary and refreshing change that is bound to help save many more lives.

Discussion Questions:
1. Do you see a work of charity or work of justice in this action? How, specifically, will this act help improve the lackluster Indian healthcare system? Explain.

2. Where is there a breakdown in justice in this situation (before the article was written)? What type of justice is being violated and what sinful social structures are at the heart of it?

3. Why, in your opinion, is there such a bias towards money over the moral good in the case of these doctors? All of them take the Hippocratic Oath as they graduate from medical school, but why can't they adhere to it?

In Case That Transfixed a Nation, Court in India Convicts Four Men of Rape

Back in December of 2012, a 23-year-old woman boarded a bus in New Delhi with a male friend on their way home from a movie. The bus was carrying these two and a group of men, identified as mostly working-class migrants who had apparently been drinking. This group of men attacked the two, knocking out the friend and leaving him unconscious, while they took the women to the back of the bus and raped her. The two were then dropped off at the side of the road and left there. Two weeks following the attack, the woman died from her severe injuries.

This event is one among several rape cases in India, which is why the sentence for the four suspects is such a national (and international) issue. One man Vikas Tyagi stated that execution of the men is the only way to stop rapes from happening because it will instill fear. The defense for the four initial suspects was badly formed, with lawyers transferring blame to others to avoid their clients (the defendants) taking the blame. One lawyer argued that the woman died because her doctor killed her in a political murder. This same man argued that she could not have given a fair statement because she had taken morphine prior to making her testimony. Despite the defense's useless attempts to find the narrowest of excuses, DNA evidence placed all six suspects at the crime scene (four initial suspects plus two others).

In Case That Transfixed a Nation, Court in India Convicts Four Men of Rape

Update from separate article: On September 13, the four men were sentence to death by hanging, leading to much rejoice for the citizens of India. People are said to have found a new hope in the government's awareness of sexual crimes.

Many Doubt Death Sentences Will Stem India Sexual Attacks

Discussion Questions:

1. The woman's parents, along with the general public, strongly encourage the death penalty for these men because of how horrible their actions were. Although we are taught not to follow the idea of “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth...,” is there evidence in this event that perhaps that is sometimes the best decision? Or should the lives of these men be spared?

2. How does this event represent and affect the progression or regression of gender roles in India?

3. The man who was driving the bus at some points during the incident hanged himself while he was in jail. Had he survived do you believe he should've been given the death penalty for allowing the rape to continue, even though he did not directly contribute to it?

Two Charged in School Lunch Poisoning Case in India

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/23/world/asia/two-charged-in-school-lunch-poisoning-case-in-india.html?_r=0

In the past couple of weeks, Meena Kumari, a principal at a local elementary school in the village of Gandaman, and her husband, Arjun Rai, were arrested on the charge of murder. Kumari and her husband were charged with poisoning the food at Kumari’s school, which subsequently led to the death of 23 children out of the 52 children attending the school. Kumari and her husband tried to escape, but officials found the couple who were sent to jail. Reports have stated that on the day the children became sick, Kumari had given the cooks at the school oil to use for the meal. The oil contained an insecticide, which is what caused the children to fall sick and caused many of them to die. The insecticide in the oil was the same insecticide that Kumari’s husband sold to farmers. Kumari became angry at children who complained that the food tasted or smelled abnormal and told the children to eat the meal. The school has been shut down for more than three months since the deaths of the children and many parents will not send their children back to the school after it opens again. The safety of children in schools has been a reoccurring problem in India. Similar occurrences of food poisoning and other health concerns have been documented across India in other schools as well.

1. How are the poor conditions in schools that children across India are subject to violations of human rights? Which specific human rights are being violated? 

2. Looking at the bigger picture, who do you think is to blame for the unhealthy and unsafe conditions in many schools across India? What type of justice is involved?

India-China Border disputes

http://post.jagran.com/India-China-should-resolve-boundary-issues-quickly-says-Manmohan-Singh-1382589898


In the past few days india and china have had border issues. India claims that china has gone into their territory while china claims that india is tailing its patrols. Both nations are cautious of the other and respect each others strength. The facts is that neither country will admit defeat to the other they both want to be seen as powers that can handle the other. Since these are two nuclear armed countries the stakes are higher. It is important that both countries cooperate with one another and can respect one another. To prevent further issues like this and make sure that this issue ends abruptly both parties need to sign an agreement in protection of the border.
Who do you think is at fault for this issue, india for starting it or china for taking it to the next level?
Do you think any basic human rights are violated here?

Investigation into Illegal Mining Abruptly Ends

It has recently been revealed-under much scrutiny-that an investigation looking into illegal mining in a handful of Indian provinces has been abruptly stopped. The investigation-which focused on financial transactions between exporters, traders, and mining lease owners, mining without a license, mining outside of lease area, transporting minerals illegally, and ecological destruction-had led to the arrest of many public officials and the sudden, unexplained close to the investigation has prompted many to wonder how far the government has entrenched itself in illegal activities. Vijay Pratap from the South Asian Dialogues on Ecological Democracy think-tank said:  "The commission [investigating illegal mining] was exposing too much corruption at government level and risked undermining tightly woven corporate collusion with the political class, which has sadly become endemic in the mining industry. This is why the government aborted the investigation." It seems to be that politicians are benefiting from illegal mining at the expense of others and the environment in unregulated mining conditions and has failed to suffer the consequences of being exposed completely. The complications of illegal mining transcend effects on the environment though; the development of a nation is also being hindered. For instance, “the state [of Goa's] former director of mines and geology, Arvind Lolienkar, was also charged. Goa's state financial losses have been estimated at Rs 35,000 crore (US$5bn) as a result of large-scale mining scams.” In short the personal greed of public officials removes money from an already poor government.

1.     After reading the article, what do you think will happen to any politicians arrested during the investigations run?

2.     Why do you think politicians and other public officials turn to illegal activities to earn money and what does this show about India’s government?

3.     What form of justice is being violated?

Techie held for 'raping' wife's friend

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Techie-held-for-raping-wifes-friend/articleshow/24353814.cms?intenttarget=no

The importance of safety increases as incidents occur in which trust and protection are tested. One incident that shows this idea is that of a recent raping in Mirjarlguda, India. G. Katam Raji, a software engineer was arrested for allegedly raping a 24 year old housewife who is a resident in the same apartment building as his own. He has been arrested and charged for his crime, but police are still searching for his wife who is allegedly an accomplice of his. According to the article, another case like this occurred recently in India, indicating its frequency perhaps because of unfair treatment of women and poor safety. 

1. Do you think that these rape cases violate any fundamental human rights? Which ones?

2. How do you think rape violates the idea of equal life and dignity?

Mumbai: Residential Building Collapse

On September 28, 2013, a residential building in Mumbai collapsed leading to the death of 42 inhabitants. Between 83 and 89 people were known to be in the building, and 33 were rescued out of the rubble. This building collapse is not the first of its kind: many similar events have happened previously in Mumbai. Citizens blame poor construction techniques and subpar building materials. Land and housing are scarce in Mumbai but both are in high demand, leading to high prices. For this reason, many people have no choice but to live in dilapidated buildings. Questions 1. What type of justice is being violated here? 2. What are some possible solutions for this problem?

British Woman Molested in Mumbai

On October 21, 2013, a 26 year old British woman and her two friends were trying to climb into a rickshaw. At this time, a man named Gaurav Gupta who is 36 approached her and inappropriately touched her. The woman released a sound of alarm which alerted Indian officials that she was in trouble. The two Indian police officers then chased the man, caught him, and arrested him on a charge of assault or criminal force to women with the intent to outrage her modesty. This event, according to officials is unfortunately quite common but officials have developed a quick response to the offenders.

1) Do you think events like these are threatening to women in India or visiting the area?
2) What do you think would be an adequate punishment or sentence for this man?

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/British-woman-molested-in-Mumbai/articleshow/24498965.cms

Toxic Beverage Sold in India

Can consumers trust anything that they buy? That is the question many people are facing after at least 42 people died after drinking liquor spiked with excessive chemicals in Azamgarh. The death toll is expected to be higher as families  often cremate the bodies of their loved ones without letting the police know first. The sad truth is that many people die everyday in India from drinking contaminated alcohol, which is often spiked to give it more of a "kick" and improve the flavor. In 2011, 169 people died from alcohol contamination. As this alcohol is technically illegal, legal justice is being violated here as merchants are knowingly selling consumers tainted beer and other drinks. The government of India has not cracked down on this illegal good which has taken the lives of many people in India. Unless they find a way to make sure that people's beverages are not contaminated, then the death toll due to this problem could rise dramatically in the next few years as alcohol becomes more prominent throughout popular culture.

Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-24607227

Discussion Questions

1. It seems to be common knowledge across India that drinks at bars are tainted. Gujarat is one of the few states which has taken legal action against this problem by making it completely illegal. Why have more states not followed?

2. Even though people know of the effects of tainted alcohol, why do they still drink it?

Spotlight on Child Sex Abuse in India

Is anyone trustworthy? This is the question many Indians have asked themselves over the past month when news broke out that a respected spiritual guru, Asaram Bapu, allegedly sexually assaulted a young child. The young girl was locked into a room, sexually assaulted, and threatened with her parents' death if she told. This is an immense problem in India, especially when young children do not speak up because they are used to being "seen, not heard." 

Although the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act was passed in 2012, a report published shortly after in February of 2012 revealed that much more action needed to be taken to enforce this law. Despite this problem being "common knowledge," India's criminal justice system is ineffective in punishing the attackers because it is not prompt with its investigations and prosecutions. 

The guru, Asarama, had an immense group of followers and was a very respected individual within India; however, his prosecution illustrates that those who commit crimes will be punished. Hopefully, this sends a message nationwide and wards off more attacks, but it will be up to the authorities to appropriately reform the criminal justice system in order to solve this problematic situation.

1. Children, often seen as the most innocent creatures because of their lack of exposure to the harsh realities of the world, are being sexually abused in India, a clear violation of their human rights. Why do you think India’s court system is not taking a stronger stance on protesting human right violations?
2. Even though this is common knowledge in most parts of India, why do you think more action isn’t being taken by communities to protect their youth?

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar announces retirement

India’s most famous cricket player Sachin Tendulkar will soon retire after his 200^th Test match. The President of the Indian Cricket Board control considered him “the greatest cricketer India has produced.” He will go down in history for his incredible scoring runs as an Indian cricketer, with a record of 15,837 runs so far. Sachin helped the Mumbai Indians franchise win this year’s IPL title and also played a role in India winning the Cricket World Cup in 2011. Sachin was the captain of his team a numerous amount of times and many famous cricketers have paid tribute to his amazing skills as a cricketer. India will be hoping after his final two games in India that he will reach the three famous figures in his last matches. Sachin has been a huge help in India’s Mumbai franchise and it’s World Cup team, but now at age 40 he has chosen to retire at the sport he has loved for so many years now and will hope to have a great legacy once he retires from cricketing.

1. Do you think Sachin will go down in history as one of the greatest cricketers there are in the world or become the best cricketer that India has had for a long time?

2. What do you think Sachin should do after he retires and why? (For example donate money, volunteer, spend his money carelessly, etc.)

Cyclone Phailin menaces India's East Coast

India's East Coast is being ravaged by an approaching cyclone that is being feared by many as just as bad as the October 1999 Odisha Cyclone that claimed 10,000 lives and $ 2 billion in reparations. Many claim that Phalin may be less intense and will calm down as it approaches the shore, but the gusts that are predicted to be at 190 mph have led to evacuations and the stop of all fishing activities. Heavy rainfall is also anticipated as coastal areas are expected to be inundated this weekend. The meteorological department also predicts that the small, flimsly kutcha houses that the lower class live in will receive heavy damage. It is a sad fact that despite the fact that these people are enocuraged to prepare more extensively for the storm, they are the ones who have the least resources availible to them.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/11/world/asia/india-cyclone-phailin/index.html?hpt=wo_c2

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you think the cyclone will affect the poor and rich. How does this demonstrate the wealth gap in India?

2. Does the fact that India is a third world country change the extent of damage that could be done. How will the government respond to this?

Bangladesh: Security Forces Kill Protestors

Recently in Bangladesh, corrupt police have been using excessive force on civilians for no valid reason. During street protests, police have been reported to attack the civilians, including women and children. The police are reported to start open fire into crowds of innocent protesters in an unlawful manner, not allowing these peaceful protesters to continue. There are many other ways that the protestors could go about stopping protests. Many people have been reported killed and severely injured due to these unjust attacks. In this article, people tell their stories of people they saw being killed. No one has attempted to stop the brutality of the police men, and so there have been a number of accounts of this unjust method to control protestors in Bangladesh. 

1) In what ways do these brutal killings violate the dignity of these protestors? Who should be held responsible?

2) Refer back to Maslow's Hierarchy of needs. What needs are not being given due to this unfair treatment of the people? What can be done to prevent this? 

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